2013 RAM 1500

The 2013 Ram 1500 still looks like a traditional full-size pickup truck, but the redesigned model has undergone a major makeover—with an eye toward fuel economy.

To achieve the desired fuel-economy improvements, Chrysler engineers combined a redesigned 3.6-liter engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, introduced start/stop technology that shuts down the engine at stops, improved aerodynamics, reduced the weight of the truck by nearly 130 pounds, added electric power steering and optimized the engine's fuel delivery.

The result is a more fuel-efficient truck powered by a V6 that delivers 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque and still offers a respectable towing capacity of 5,900 pounds.

The eight-speed automatic transmission will also be added to the company's 5.7-liter, 395-hp, 407-lb-ft Hemi V8 in mid-production year. Chrysler expects the V8 truck to match the Ford F-150's 22 mpg, which currently ranks as best-in-class.

Cutting drag on a slab-sided, blunt-nosed pickup wasn't easy. Much of the body sculpting was done on the last Ram redesign for the 2009 model year, so Ram engineers had to take even more aggressive steps to improve aero numbers. Active grille shutters and wheel-to-wheel side steps help achieve Ram's 0.36 coefficient of drag, along with an optional height-reducing air suspension.

While the Ram still offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance at normal ride height, in aero mode the truck automatically lowers 1.1 inches at 62 mph or above, seeking the most aerodynamically efficient ride height. (Three other suspension heights are offered: Off-road 1, which lifts the vehicle 1.1 inches from normal ride height; Off-road 2, which raises the vehicle two inches from normal ride height; and Park mode, which lowers the vehicle two inches for easier access and loading.)

Sadly, the V6 lacked the playful oomph we've experienced in other V6 trucks such as the Ford F-150 with EcoBoost. To its credit, the powertrain was smooth, thanks to the seamless shifting of its eight-speed transmission.

The brake response was lazy, requiring sincere pressure to slow the big rig down. Steering was reasonably responsive for a truck. Combined with little body roll, the steering and suspension made the truck feel well-controlled and easy to drive.

Only minor modifications were made to exterior and interior styling. On the outside, the Ram's signature crosshair grille gets slightly taller, with an added beveled edge and an array of finishes from blacked-out to bright-chrome mesh. Wheel designs are all-new, with options going up to 20 inches in diameter. Tow hooks are now bigger. Also new for 2013 are RamBox side bins and tailgate, all lockable via the same key fob that locks and unlocks the doors.

Interior changes include the addition of a seven-inch customizable instrument cluster and an 8.4-inch touch screen on the center stack.

The biggest surprise is the new rotary dial for shifting gears, located on the lower-left corner of the dashboard. Chrysler says the dial makes shifting easier while looking over your shoulder to check blind spots and easier for those wearing work gloves.

Though the base model's interior is nothing to get excited about, the seating was comfortable and highly adjustable.

Trucks are a no-brainer for tradespeople, adventurers and farmers, but we think a crew cab also offers plenty of space and utility for families.